The popular 64-year-old was found beaten to death in his home in Edenderry, Co Offaly on Sunday

Mourners at the funeral of Thomas "Toddy" Dooley were told of the community's "shock and revulsion" at the violent death of the quiet pensioner.

Locals were urged to check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours after popular Toddy was found with serious head and body injuries at his house in Edenderry, Co Offaly.

The 64-year-old's body was discovered on the couch at his home on Sunday after concerns were raised when Toddy hadn't been seen in a number of days.

Crowds gathered at St Mary's Church in Edenderry from 11.30am for the midday funeral mass.

"As we gather in united in shock and sorrow we remember the two other murder victims last weekend just over in Portarlington and in Dublin. We remember and pray for them as well with Thomas," said Fr Greg Corcoran.

Describing Mr Dooley as a "quiet and inoffensive man" who enjoyed a few pints, he said Mr Dooley's life isn't defined by the manner in which he died.

He was a good neighbour who was commonly seen selling tickets around the town, or when his mother was alive, pushing her around Edenderry in a wheelchair.

Mr Dooley had made his funeral arrangements some time ago, opting for a simple service.

His pleasures in life were reflected in the gifts presented by his family.

They brought a chessboard for the gifted player, a sod of turf for his love of the bog and a pack of cards for his love of a game.

"For such violence to come to Thomas and his family, to Sister Senan Court, to Edenderry in general is frightening. It is something we see on television but not in our everyday lives," Fr Corcoran remarked.

"We pray for all who may feel lonely or afraid because of this.

"If we could take the time and drop in for a minute to support the elderly or those living alone or the vulnerable it would be very important and an act of great kindness."

Prayers were said for the gardai and for Mr Dooley's family, his wife Marian, son Thomas, daughters Janet and Patricia sisters Ann, Kathleen, Rose, Bridget and Cora and brothers Sean and Michael.

Mr Dooley's remains were carried from the St Mary's Church to St Mary's Cemetery where he was laid to rest following the mass.

Gardai have launched a murdered inquiry into the dad-of-three's violent death.

A post-mortem confirmed the pensioner sustained severe injuries to his head and upper body.

Shocked neighbours said they were stunned to hear of Mr Dooley's death.

A neighbour described him as "an inoffensive character" who lived alone and had cared for his elderly mother who did not live with him.